- Discover the history and heritage of County Ground Hove, home of Sussex Cricket
- Experience matchday atmosphere from Championship cricket to T20 nights
- Plan your visit with travel tips and transport options to County Ground Hove
Few venues in English cricket carry their history with such quiet confidence as the The County Ground, Hove. Home to Sussex County Cricket Club since 1872, the ground remains both a centrepiece of the modern game and a deeply atmospheric link to cricket’s past.
A coastal setting that elevates the game
Set within sight of the sea, Hove offers an experience that blends tradition with theatre. On a calm afternoon, spectators settle into deckchairs at the Cromwell Road End, watching the longer rhythms of Championship cricket unfold. By contrast, a Friday evening under lights transforms the venue into something far more electric, with T20 cricket drawing energy from packed stands and coastal air.
Beyond match-days, the ground continues to evolve. It houses the Aerotron Indoor School and also serves as an award-winning conferencing and events venue. This strengthens its role at the heart of Sussex’s sporting and social scene.
Hove remains the club’s anchor. However, first-team fixtures are also staged at Arundel and Eastbourne. This helps bring top-level cricket to more of the county.
Sussex CCC history – from pioneers to powerhouse
Founded in 1839, Sussex County Cricket Club holds a unique place in sporting history as the world’s oldest professional sports club. It was also the first of the 18 first-class counties, establishing a legacy that has endured for nearly two centuries.
That history has been shaped by some of cricket’s most distinguished names. Players such as Imran Khan, Kumar Shri Ranjitsinhji, Tony Greig, Ted Dexter and Mushtaq Ahmed have all left their mark in Sussex colours.
The club established itself early as a force in limited-overs cricket, lifting the inaugural competition in 1963 and defending the title a year later. Further success followed in 1978 and 1986, yet it was not until 2003 that Sussex secured its first County Championship.
That breakthrough sparked what is widely regarded as a golden era. Titles in 2006 and 2007 confirmed Sussex as the dominant force of the time, while one-day triumphs in 2006, 2008 and 2009, along with a first T20 crown in 2009, completed a remarkable run of success.
County ground Hove history – from barley field to iconic venue
Cricket in Hove dates back to 1791, when land gifted by the Prince Regent laid the foundations for the county’s early matches. The original Prince of Wales ground served the club until urban expansion claimed it in the mid-19th century.
The club secured its present home in 1871, purchasing a barley field on the Sandford Estate. In a remarkable nod to its past, groundstaff lifted turf from the Royal Brunswick ground and relaid it at Hove, preserving a tangible link between eras. Sussex played their first match there in 1872 against Kent, beginning a new chapter that continues to this day.
Over time, the pavilion has grown into a characterful structure of balconies, stairways and terraces, each addition reflecting the evolving needs of the club. Inside, it serves as a quiet archive of Sussex cricket, with photographs and memorabilia offering glimpses into generations of players and performances.
What makes County ground Hove unique?
The County Ground’s subtle slope towards the sea has long played its part in shaping matches. Coastal air and occasional sea-fret can encourage movement through the air, providing early drama for bowlers and batters alike. Yet when conditions settle, the pitch can become serene, rewarding patience and technique.
History here is filled with extraordinary feats. Kumar Shri Duleepsinhji once compiled 333 runs in a single day, while Maurice Tate became a symbol of consistency and dedication across a career spanning decades. The club later honoured his contribution with gates at the main entrance, which still greet visitors today.
Even as modern developments have introduced surrounding flats and towering floodlights, the soul of Hove endures. The venue was among the first in England to install permanent floodlights and staged one of the country’s earliest day-night matches in 1997, demonstrating a willingness to embrace innovation without losing identity.
County ground Hove travel guide – how to get there
Reaching The County Ground is simple and well-suited to visitors travelling from across the region.
The ground is located at the 1st Central County Ground, Eaton Road, Hove, East Sussex, BN3 3AN.
Getting to County ground Hove by train
By train, Hove railway station is the most convenient option, sitting around a 10-minute walk from the ground. From the station, head south along Goldstone Villas, continue to the end of the road, then turn left onto Eaton Road. After crossing The Drive, the ground will appear on your left-hand side.
Visitors arriving via Brighton railway station are still within easy reach. The station is approximately 1.5 miles away, with regular rail connections to Hove. Taxis are readily available outside the station, along with a bus terminal offering frequent services towards Hove.
Bus routes to County ground Hove made easy
By bus, the number 7 service runs along Cromwell Road at the northern end of the ground, linking Hove and Brighton Marina while passing both main railway stations. Services typically run every 10 minutes, with slightly reduced frequency on Sundays.
Routes 21 and 21A also stop close to the main entrance on Eaton Road. While less frequent, they provide useful connections through central Brighton and Hove. For more information on Brighton and Hove bus services, click here.
Whichever route you choose, the journey into Hove is part of the experience, with the ground emerging almost unexpectedly amid the rhythm of the town and the pull of the nearby sea.
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